Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is heading Turkmenistan’s delegation at the 4th International “Commonwealth of Fashion” Forum in St. Petersburg.
On November 20, Atabayeva held a meeting with Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.
Matviyenko noted that Russia closely follows Turkmenistan’s achievements and its growing role on the international stage. She conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council), Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, stressing that relations between the two countries continue developing in the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding.
Matviyenko highlighted the socially significant work carried out by the Charity Fund named after Berdimuhamedov, pointing out that Russia’s “Circle of Kindness” Foundation pursues similar initiatives. She also praised Turkmenistan’s large and representative exhibition at this year’s forum, emphasizing the country’s rich traditions in light industry and creative sectors.
Matviyenko said that the forum - which brings together representatives from more than 30 countries - has become an important platform for cooperation and cultural exchange. It supports the preservation of national traditions in fashion and design, encourages dialogue, and helps young designers and manufacturers access broader markets within the CIS. “It has become a real springboard for producers from Russian regions to enter the Commonwealth markets,” she said.
Atabayeva expressed her appreciation for the scale of the forum’s events and outlined the Fund’s activities. The meeting also touched on expanding cooperation in cultural and humanitarian fields. Deputy Chairwoman of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Inna Svyatenko, Deputy Chairwoman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Yulia Lazutkina, and Dmitry Kobitsky, Secretary General of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, were also present.
Following the talks, Matviyenko and Atabayeva toured the Turkmenistan exhibition and other displays at the forum. Matviyenko emphasized the importance of preserving national traditions while boosting product competitiveness and expanding exports. Speaking to reporters, she praised the integration of traditional motifs into modern fashion showcased by CIS participants. “What we saw is inspiring. The forum grows more significant every year, with new agreements and contracts signed. We intend to continue strengthening our cooperation,” she said.
Atabayeva arrived in St. Petersburg at Matviyenko’s invitation to participate in the forum and is scheduled to speak at the session “It’s Fashionable to Be Healthy,” where she will present the Fund’s key initiatives. Her visit also includes bilateral meetings with government officials, civil society organizations, and business representatives to discuss cooperation in child support, social protection, and cultural projects.
The Turkmen delegation also visited the State Hermitage Museum on November 19.
The Charity Fund named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continues taking part in international efforts aimed at improving the quality of life for children in need of guardianship. The visit to St. Petersburg underscores Turkmenistan’s commitment to strengthening humanitarian ties and expanding partnerships in child welfare and social development.
